Text Box: Dear Congregation of God, First, once again I offer a special word of thanks and appreciation for my ten year tribute. What an amazing night and one that I will not soon forget. As I told you then so I tell you now--- no pastor deserves such a kind, thoughtful and supportive flock. I am truly blessed. However, this year is a special one not simply because of my tenth anniversary at Lycoming Centre. This also happens to be the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth. There is simply so much about Calvin's thinking I respect and admire. Above all else, Calvin understands what it means to take into account, first and foremost, that in all things God is to be glorified. As Calvin says, “The Christian must surely be so disposed and minded that he feels within himself it is with God he has to deal throughout his life”. i For Calvin, every moment of life is a God-ward moment. In particular, I admire that way John Calvin challenges us see God’s glory in the cross. “God declares to us that Jesus Christ, who once had his side pierced, today has his heart open, as it were, that we may have assurance of the love that he bears us; that as he once had his arms fastened to the cross, now he has them wide open to draw us to himself; and that as once he shed his blood, so today he wishes us to be plunged within it. So, when God invites us so sweetly and Jesus Christ sets before us the fruit of his death and passion,… let us all come to take our stand with our Lord Jesus Christ.” ii Amen and Amen! What a poignant reminder of Christ’s love as we look ahead to holy week and Easter and take our stand next to our crucified and glorified, risen Savior. Thank you brother Calvin! In Christ’s love, Billy ___________________ i Institutes 3.7.2 ii Sermons on Isaiah's Prophecy of the Death and Passion of Christ, page 82. Text Box: Letter from the Pastor Text Box: Centre News Text Box: LYCOMING CENTRE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH